Wintervermaken 1875 - 1903

This print, titled "Wintervermaken," or "Winter Amusements," was created by L. de Haan in Haarlem, Netherlands. It is an example of the “Nieuwe Nederlandsche Kinderprenten” or New Dutch Children’s Print, a series intended to educate and entertain young audiences. The image is divided into eight vignettes, each depicting a different winter activity. We see children sledding, ice skating, building a snowman, and engaging in snowball fights. It’s tempting to see these scenes as straightforward representations of childhood play. However, considering the historical context of 19th-century Dutch society, it’s possible to interpret these images as reflections of social values and class distinctions. The emphasis on outdoor activity and the depiction of children from different social classes interacting may reflect a broader cultural interest in promoting physical health, social cohesion, and national identity during the period. To fully understand this print, we might consult historical archives, children’s literature, and social histories of the Netherlands. This would allow us to better understand the cultural values and beliefs that shaped its creation.